Another advantage in buying only non-voting common stock, is that it is very entrepreneur-friendly.

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Other defensive measures, such as converting non-voting shares into common stock, and paying a special dividend, also look reassuringly shareholder-friendly.

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The companies he controls--Hollinger Inc. and closely held Ravelston -- have just an 18% economic interest in Hollinger International through Class B shares that have ten times the voting rights of common stock.

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But unlike common stock, the shares usually don't have voting rights.

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Although they own just 4% of Ford 's (nyse: F - news - people )common stock, the family controls 40% of the voting power through its Class B shares.

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Preferred stock compensates investors for diminished voting rights by giving them priority over common shareholders for dividends and typically by paying higher comparative yields.

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With them, they will receive voting rights and are allowed to exercise the preferred stock if more than 10% of common shares are acquired.

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